This vegan fig banana smoothie blends up just a few seconds, but tastes rich and ever so exotic.

This is one of my favorite smoothies. I haven’t had one in a while, and was reminded of it when I saw this gorgeous fig banana milkshake at Pinch My Salt.

Figs are high in fiber, calcium, and potassium and they are easily obtained in dried form (my favorite dried fig is the Calmyra variety). When they are in season, though, I really love them fresh.

I keep very ripe, peeled bananas in bags in the freezer at all times because they lend an unparalleled creaminess to smoothies…I suggest you do the same.

I chose coconut milk here and loved it, but you can substitute yogurt, kefir, or raw or organic milk, if you wish. You could also just use water or a non-dairy nut milk…your choice.

Remember that organic whole coconut milk (not “lite” coconut milk) is a healthy source of essential fats.

I was inspired to embellish this smoothie with a bit of rosewater (thank you Clotilde) and just a pinch of cardamom at the last minute. These additions are totally optional, but highly recommended.

If you want the smoothie to contain more protein, you could add 1-2 raw egg yolks (make sure you use only very fresh, local, free-range eggs if you are going to eat them raw as this cuts the risk of salmonella). Soaked nuts/seeds could also be added.

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This fig and banana smoothie is my contribution to Weekend Herb Blogging #252. WHB was founded by Kalyn and is now managed by Haalo. I am hosting this week.

If you’d like to contribute to Weekend Herb Blogging, please send me your post! Despite the name, posts for WHB don’t have to spotlight herbs: you can write about vegetables, fruit, flowers, nuts, grains…if there is something plant-based involved, then your post is eligible.

Please send your post to [email protected] with WHB#252 in the subject line and the following details:

* Your Name
* Your Blog Name/URL
* Your Post URL
* Your Location
* A photo: 400px wide

Entries should be received by the following times on 9/26/2010:

* 3pm Sunday – Utah Time
* 10pm Sunday – London Time
* 11pm Sunday – Rome Time
* 7am Monday – Melbourne (Aus) Time

I will post a round-up of this week’s entries early next week.